UVAC’s first Innovation Exchange welcomed 70 guests at the took place this week on Tuesday 9 December 2025, at the iconic Smiths Centre, Science Museum, London, 

Delegates heard from leading voices across education, industry, and government, as they unpacked how recent reforms and emerging skills demands are transforming opportunities for learners, employers, and educators.

During the morning session William Richards – Head of Skills Strategy Unit, and Connor Bruce- Higher Education Systems Lead, Department for Education invited feedback from those in attendance, and their colleagues back at their organisations, and part of their networks, with regards to four questions, as delegates were exploring the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.

This feedback form is still available and you are invited to consider the following questions:

1. How does the ‘missing middle’ impact you and your region (employers/provider perspective)?

2.How well recognised are L4/5 qualifications (a) by learners, and (b) by employers in your region? Does this impact on supply?

3.Reflecting on the above, how can we grow demand for L4/5 qualifications – from both learners and employers? What opportunities are there for FE/HE collaboration here?

4.How should L4/5 be positioned/branded within the qualification landscape, e.g. in relation to ‘academic’ / ‘technical’ / ‘vocational’ provision, and considering new V Levels and degree break points?

We would encourage you to review them and share your responses, and to circulate the questions and the link within your teams and wider networks where relevant.

Please note that the response form is accessed HERE or via the QR code and  is open until 12 December.

The Department for Education full slide deck is  HERE and you are invited to share this with colleagues onward sharing.